This is an exciting course in which we learn about the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life on Earth and in the Universe.

Our course is designed to help non-science majors and others fulfill a general education requirement while learning about the origin and evolution of life on Earth and in the universe. We describe what makes our universe and planet habitable, what early or extreme life on Earth looks like, the conditions required for life, and the search for life and ET in the Solar System and beyond. In the process, we describe the scientific method and help you sharpen your critical thinking skills. We address some of the most important scientific questions of our time with engaging lectures supported by videos, demonstrations, and active learning activities.

Lectures (three hours/week) are supplemented with active learning exercises, in-class demonstrations, and weekly discussion sections (one hour/week).

The typical grading format is as follows: Homework and discussion sections count for 40% of the final grade. One midterm exam and one final exam count for 30% each. We offer an extra credit activity worth up to 10% of the final grade.

Here is a notional syllabus.

The textbook is Caitling's "Astrobiology: A Very Short Introduction", Oxford University Press, 2014.